Various Artists - This Is Zologo Beat [Makkum Records 035 / Red Wig 060]

Put out on the circuit on April 7th, 2k23 is "This Is Zologo Beat", the latest coop release between the ever active imprints Makkum Records and Red Wig and another various artists compilation coverage of the musical developments in Ghana's Upper East region. Subtitled 'a new dance compilation from Ghana, Upper East' the ten tracks and 35 minutes spanning album focuses on the relatively fresh Zologo Beat movement most popular in and around the cities of Bongo and Bolgatanga, drawing elements and inspiration from the traditional music of the Fare Fare tribe whilst amalgamating these with modern synths and creative, oftentime Fruity Loops-based production techniques to a well catchy and uplifting result, from the groovy call-and-response chants of Sammy's opener "Tu Daana" to the electronic banging Urban Uptempo madness of Fadester's "Guru Anowuu", the melodic autotune romanticism of Prince Buju's "Life Is A Mission", the driving, snare-focused riddim vibes of Ramond's "Agana Sela Tufu Malla" and the raw and groovy lo-fi dancefloor power provided by FCL's "Zom Koom" just to name a few. Defo a thrilling selection for collectors of contemporary African music, this.

Album artwork on Instagram!